October 15th, 2008, was chosen to be the first "Work Like A Patron" Day. This date is 6 months after Library Appreciation Week (in 2008, April 13-18th). Future WLAP days will always be on the Wednesday of the week 6 months after Library Appreciation Month.

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October 15th, 2008, was chosen to be the first "Work Like A Patron" Day. This date is 6 months after National Library Week (in 2008, April 13-18th). Future WLAP days will always be on the Wednesday of the week 6 months after National Library Week.

= Specific Blog Posts/Articles to Check Out =

= Specific Blog Posts/Articles to Check Out =

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Use the Twitter hashtag [http://twitter.com/#!/search/%23wlap #wlap]

*[http://www.swissarmylibrarian.net/2008/10/07/work-like-a-patron-day Swiss Army Librarian's "Work Like A Patron" Day] The original post calling for the creation of WLAP Day.

*[http://www.swissarmylibrarian.net/2008/10/07/work-like-a-patron-day Swiss Army Librarian's "Work Like A Patron" Day] The original post calling for the creation of WLAP Day.

*[http://www.flickr.com/groups/worklikeapatronday Work Like A Patron Day flickr group] Add and share your photos to the WLAP Day flickr group to show your support for patrons and to give other librarians ideas for celebrating WLAP Day in their libraries.

*[http://www.flickr.com/groups/worklikeapatronday Work Like A Patron Day flickr group] Add and share your photos to the WLAP Day flickr group to show your support for patrons and to give other librarians ideas for celebrating WLAP Day in their libraries.

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*[http://gathernodust.blogspot.com/2008/11/work-like-patron-day-redux.html Work Like A Patron Day Redux] A follow-up post on the experiences of the Casa Grande Public Library regarding Work Like a Patron Day.

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*[http://pln.palinet.org/wiki/index.php/Through_patrons'_eyes The Palinet Leadership Network:Through Patron's Eyes] A summary of posts on the experience of libraries on Work Like a Patron Day.

Latest revision as of 13:32, 27 September 2011

"Work Like A Patron" Day is a day dedicated to making library staff more aware of what patrons experience when using the library. On this day, library staff are encouraged to "work like a patron" as possible. This includes:

entering and leaving the library through the public entrance (not the staff doors)

using the public computers to do your work

using only the patron interface for searching your catalog

using the library website to locate information

using the public printers and photocopiers

calling the main number and navigating the phone system

using the public restrooms

reserving public meeting rooms for meetings

reading posted signs to see if they're helpful

sitting in the chairs/use the furniture meant for the public

paying your library fines (no waiving them the day before!)

returning your items in the book drop

following all library policies

By experiencing the library from the point of view of our patrons, staff can hopefully both improve the services we offer as well as empathize with patron needs and expectations.

October 15th, 2008, was chosen to be the first "Work Like A Patron" Day. This date is 6 months after National Library Week (in 2008, April 13-18th). Future WLAP days will always be on the Wednesday of the week 6 months after National Library Week.

Work Like A Patron Day flickr group Add and share your photos to the WLAP Day flickr group to show your support for patrons and to give other librarians ideas for celebrating WLAP Day in their libraries.